Composing
Three of these chords, I, IV, and V, are "major" chords, and are named using upper-case Roman numerals.Major chords sound happy, and uplifting. Many songs use only chords I, IV and V. The other three chords,ii,iii, and vi, are "minor" chords and are named using lower-case Roman numerals. Minor chords generally sound sad or dramatic.
Chord Progressions & Chord Map
To write a song you need to decide which chords to use and in what order. Firstly, the I chord sounds like 'home' in any key and you should think about starting and ending with the I chord. (This is the chord of C in the key of C).Certain chords work well with others. Here is a chord map to help you work out your progressions:
To write a song you need to decide which chords to use and in what order. Firstly, the I chord sounds like 'home' in any key and you should think about starting and ending with the I chord. (This is the chord of C in the key of C).Certain chords work well with others. Here is a chord map to help you work out your progressions:
You need to follow these rules...
1/ You can go from chord I (C in our example) to anywhere else.
2/ Once you're away from I, choose arrows to follow until you get back there.
3/ You can stay in one box as long as you like before moving on.
4/ If the same chord appears in two places you can jump between them.
For more information visit http://www.chordmaps.com
1/ You can go from chord I (C in our example) to anywhere else.
2/ Once you're away from I, choose arrows to follow until you get back there.
3/ You can stay in one box as long as you like before moving on.
4/ If the same chord appears in two places you can jump between them.
For more information visit http://www.chordmaps.com
Melody Writing
Once you have created your chord sequence you need to write a melody.
1/ The notes of your melody should be based around the notes used in your chords.
2/ Use notes that are not in the chord too, particularly notes that are next to chord notes – BUT – move stepwise back to the chord note.
3/ Avoid too many big leaps in your melody.
4/ Use REPETITION & SEQUENCES in your melody. Even if you are just repeating a few notes.
5/ Think about the SHAPE of your melody. Most melodies don't just rise in pitch or descend in pitch. This would sound more like a scale than a melody.
Most melodies rise and fall, often in an 'arch' shape.
6/ Pop songs usually have a chorus with a melody which is higher than the verse. This means that the verse ends with the melody rising.
Once you have created your chord sequence you need to write a melody.
1/ The notes of your melody should be based around the notes used in your chords.
2/ Use notes that are not in the chord too, particularly notes that are next to chord notes – BUT – move stepwise back to the chord note.
3/ Avoid too many big leaps in your melody.
4/ Use REPETITION & SEQUENCES in your melody. Even if you are just repeating a few notes.
5/ Think about the SHAPE of your melody. Most melodies don't just rise in pitch or descend in pitch. This would sound more like a scale than a melody.
Most melodies rise and fall, often in an 'arch' shape.
6/ Pop songs usually have a chorus with a melody which is higher than the verse. This means that the verse ends with the melody rising.